Ricardo Martinez, Jerry & Helen Wisotsky Branch

RICARDO MARTINEZ

Ricardo has been a Peoria Club member for 11 years. During his membership, he has grown exponentially and established himself as a teen leader and a great role model to his peers. Ricardo has a 3.3 GPA at Peoria High School, is Vice President of the Keystone Club, participates in the Torch Club, is on the Varsity soccer team at school, and was a My Life Day coordinator. He has participated in street cleanups, volunteered at St. Mary’s Food Bank, helped Veterans decorate a parade float, helped adopt kids for Christmas in partnership with the Salvation Army Christmas Angels, helped feed the homeless, and even granted a Hospice patient their dream come true of attending Symphony Hall for an orchestra concert. Through these programs, he has acquired over 50 volunteer hours this year. He hopes to attend trade school to study auto mechanics, welding, and engineering. He also hopes to become a leader in his community and inspire others to be more mindful citizens.

Q: What is one thing (or your favorite thing) you’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club?

I have met many new people, been involved in many clubs, and have gone to sports games, but my favorite was being a part of Keystone, and going around Phoenix helping those in need.

Q: What excites you most about the future?

I just hope everyone could get along and there be equality in the world.

Q: What advice would you give to Youth like yourself?

Whatever you do, do it to your best abilities, and give it your all. If you don’t, why do it at all.

Q: If you could live in a book, tv show, or movie, what would it be and why?

The Outsiders, I loved that book in 7th grade, and I want to interact with the characters.

Age: 16

Jerry & Helen Wisotsky / Peoria Branch

Member Since: 2010

Career Goal: Auto Mechanic